Are you a compassionate and motivated doctor looking to make a real difference in the lives of patients with life-limiting illnesses? Do you want to develop your expertise in specialist palliative care while working within a supportive multidisciplinary team?
We are looking for a dedicated Specialty Doctor in Palliative Medicine to join our experienced team at St Peter & St James Hospice, led by two Palliative Medicine Consultants. This rewarding role will focus primarily on supporting our Community Team and four-bedded Virtual Ward, delivering expert symptom management and holistic end of life care to patients in their own homes, within outpatient settings, and occasionally on our Inpatient Unit. The post also offers opportunities to contribute to education, clinical improvement, audit, and research activities.
Job Details:
Location: St Peter & St James Hospice, North Common Rd, North Chailey, Lewes BN8 4ED
Salary: £63,696 £102,689 per annum
Working Hours: 16 – 24 hours (4 to 6 sessions)
Contract: Permanent
On-Call: Non-resident on-call rota (approximately 1 in 8)
Closing Date: Early applications encouraged – we will shortlist and interview as applications are received.
What You’ll Do:
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Provide medical assessment and follow-up care for patients in the community, outpatient clinics, and their own homes.
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Support Community Clinical Nurse Specialists and advise on specialist palliative care symptom management.
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Undertake home visits and remote prescribing, including Just-in-Case medications where appropriate.
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Assess and manage symptoms for patients admitted to the Inpatient Unit for symptom control and end of life care.
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Perform clinical procedures, maintain accurate patient records, and ensure safe prescribing practices.
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Provide urgent medical assessment and advice to patients attending the Living Well Centre.
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Participate in the on-call rota, including weekend ward rounds and urgent patient reviews when required.
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Support education, audit, quality improvement activities, and the supervision of resident doctors and medical students.
What We’re Looking For:
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Primary Medical Qualification and Full GMC Registration with a current licence to practise.
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Higher Medical Qualification (MRCP or MRCGP).
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Excellent communication and multidisciplinary team working skills.
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Clinical leadership skills appropriate to the level of the role.
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Competence in practical clinical procedures, including venepuncture and related skills.
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Strong IT skills and experience maintaining electronic patient records.
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A flexible and proactive approach to delivering high-quality patient-centred care.
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Commitment to continuous professional development, appraisal, and revalidation requirements.
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A valid driving licence and access to your own transport for community visits and on-call duties.
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Medical defence insurance cover.
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Previous experience in palliative care, symptom management, teaching, or a Diploma in Palliative Medicine would be advantageous.
Please find the full job description and person specification at the bottom of this webpage.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded hospice team dedicated to delivering outstanding specialist palliative care. We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development, involvement in education and service improvement projects, and the chance to make a meaningful difference to patients and families when they need it most.
For informal enquiries, please contact our Medical Director Helen McGee [email protected]